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Introducing Business Direction Online, your one stop shop for all local and industry news.
Business Direction Online is updated daily, bringing you news from across Herefordshire & Worcestershire. Explore our Members exciting and important updates and keep up to date with any Chamber news.
If you’re a Chamber Member, you can submit your latest news stories free of charge and promote updates to local business professionals. Contact our Marketing team for more information.
NMITE WELCOMES ITS BIGGEST-EVER COHORT AND MARKS NEXT CHAPTER OF GROWTH AT HEREFORDSHIRE’S UNIVERSITY
More than 100 students, new academic staff, new facilities and new industry connections This week NMITE welcomed its latest, largest cohort of students to Hereford, with more than 100 beginning their studies across its engineering and construction degree programmes....
Latest Article
NMITE WELCOMES ITS BIGGEST-EVER COHORT AND MARKS NEXT CHAPTER OF GROWTH AT HEREFORDSHIRE’S UNIVERSITY
More than 100 students, new academic staff, new facilities and new industry connections This week NMITE welcomed its latest, largest cohort of students to Hereford, with more than 100 beginning their studies across its engineering and construction degree programmes....
Member News
Student Support and Fundraising at the Heart of University’s Award Finalist Places
The University of Worcester has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Support for Students award in the prestigious Times Higher Education Awards for the efforts of staff to raise money for student scholarships and hardship funds. It’s one of four awards that the...
New Book Reveals Surprising Way Countries Judge Each Other’s Human Rights Records
An expert in law will launch his latest book at The Hive next month, shedding light on the way United Nations member states assess each other’s human rights records. Dr Michael Lane, Lecturer in Law at the University of Worcester, will explore the Universal Periodic...
Patron & Strategic News
Leading Midwives Inspire Worcester Students at Special University Event
Two of the UK’s best-known voices in maternity care visited the University of Worcester to inspire the next generation of midwives. Sheena Byrom OBE and author, broadcaster and practising NHS midwife Leah Hazard spoke to a packed audience of student midwives,...
New Early Years Leaders Network to Connect Practitioners
A new network for leaders in early years settings is launching to connect practitioners, let them share expertise and provide professional support. The network, which is free to join, is founded by a team from University of Worcester’s Institute of Education with...
Chamber News
Make Or Break Budget Must Deliver Growth
The British Chambers of Commerce is calling for Chancellor Rachel Reeves to focus her second Budget on key growth drivers to lift the gloom that has settled over the economy. The BCC’s budget submission focuses on policies to encourage investment, strengthen the...
Worcestershire Businesses Come Together for Festive Carols and Community Spirit
Local businesses, community leaders and partners will once again come together to celebrate the festive season at the 2025 Worcestershire Business & Community Carols and Networking Evening on Tuesday 9th December, hosted at All Saints Church, Deansway, Worcester...
Our Latest Member
Nurture your workforce in Herefordshire nature
As new legislation makes employing people more expensive than ever, getting the best out of employees – and holding on to them – is vital. Companies must nurture people and promote camaraderie and enjoyment at work. In the endeavour to motivate and retain...
Nurture your workforce in Herefordshire nature
As new legislation makes employing people more expensive than ever, getting the best out of employees – and holding on to them – is vital. Companies must nurture people and promote camaraderie and enjoyment at work. In the endeavour to motivate and retain...
Policy News
Key Employment Law Updates: Autumn 2025
1. Fire and Rehire – Government Softens Proposed BanThe Employment Rights Bill continues to target “fire and rehire” tactics, where employers dismiss staff to impose new terms. Dismissals linked to restricted variations (e.g. reductions in pay, hours, pensions, or...
Bradey Thomas MP Q&A: Chamber Hosts Engaging Session on Local Priorities
Last week, the Chamber of Commerce hosted a highly successful session with Bradley Thomas MP for Bromsgrove and The Villages at the Heart of Worcestershire College in Bromsgrove. The event brought together business leaders, education representatives, and community...
Skills News
NEOPERL UK focus on staff training
Over a third of the 160 staff at Neoperl UK in Malvern, took part in personal development training during 2022 and that figure is set to increase with a new learning focus for 2023. The manufacturing business requires a broad selection of skills across their employee...
National Apprenticeships Week 2023 – Skills for Life
The theme for #NAW2023 is “Skills for Life” encouraging employers and learners to reflect on how apprenticeships can drive development in careers, future-ready skills and the talented workforce needed across the UK. Whilst this is a laudable focus for this year’s...
Charity News
Local Charity launches entrepreneurial fundraising challenge during Mental Health Awareness Week this May
West Midlands-based mental health charity Kaleidoscope Plus Group has launched a new fundraising initiative, inviting individuals, schools and businesses to turn just £5 into vital support for its mental health services across the Midlands. The Fiver to Thrive...
Why I’m taking on The King’s Trust Challenge
Why I’m taking on The Kings Trust CEO Challenge “I didn’t think I was good at anything… now I know I just needed a chance.” That’s the voice of a young person whose life has been changed through The King’s Trust. One of many who have moved from uncertainty to...
Brexit Burden Must Be Cut
As Brexit approaches its 10th anniversary, the British Chambers of Commerce says the government must set out a clear plan to ease the burdens it has placed on business. BCC research shows over half of UK exporters (54%) think the current trade deal with the EU is...
BCC News
Brexit Burden Must Be Cut
As Brexit approaches its 10th anniversary, the British Chambers of Commerce says the government must set out a clear plan to ease the burdens it has placed on business. BCC research shows over half of UK exporters (54%) think the current trade deal with the EU is...
Worcestershire News
Worcester City Plan Consultation
Residents, local businesses and other stakeholders are being asked for their views on a new plan that sets out the City Council’s ambitions for Worcester over the next five years. The draft City Plan 2025-2030 envisions Worcester as an ambitious, vibrant and welcoming...
Severn Valley Railway Shortlisted for Four Heritage Railway Awards
The Severn Valley Railway has been shortlisted in four categories for the prestigious Heritage Railway Association awards for 2025, which recognise excellence and innovation across the heritage rail sector. SVR-based locomotive, Stanier Mogul No 13268 is in the...
Herefordshire News
Grant Gives Engineering Firm a Record-breaking Boost
A specialist engineering firm has enjoyed a record-breaking year after investing in new machinery, with the help of a grant from Herefordshire Council’s Business Enterprise Fund. KGD Enterprises, which is based at Rotherwas in Hereford, makes high-quality packaged...
David Tomkins, Data Analyst Level 4 Apprentice.
Promotion to an Apprenticeship! Recently TDM have promoted one of our existing members of staff onto a Data Analyst Level 4 Apprenticeship programme. David Tomkins, previously TDM’s Marketing Manager, moved into this role and has exceled beyond belief. TDM believe in...
All Latest News
Experienced marketing professional joins community lender ART Business Loans
Community lender ART Business Loans has announced the appointment of Joy Douglas to the newly created role of marketing manager. Joy brings more than 20 years of marketing experience to the role having previously run her own consultancy, Joy Friday, supporting small...
Coffee Express opens at Kidderminster Town station
The Severn Valley Railway has opened its new Coffee Express grab-and-go refreshment outlet at Kidderminster Town station, with the Mayor of Kidderminster, Councillor Shazu Miah, performing the opening ceremony on 29 July. Located at the front of the Railway’s...
Chamber Celebrates Year of Positive Social Impact and Sets Ambitious Goals for 2026/27
The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is celebrating a successful year of delivering Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives with a lasting social impact across the two counties, while setting ambitious objectives for 2026/27 to strengthen...
Summer of Cyber Giveaway
We’re giving one lucky winner everything they need to stay cool this summer, while taking a closer look at their organisation’s AI usage. x4 Optimising IT branded Yeti Rambler® 769ml bottles x1 Yeti Roadie® 15 Cool Box x1 14-Day AI Audit (worth £399) So…...
Meningitis
A child becomes drowsy in your setting. An adult complains of a severe headache and goes home. It does not feel urgent. It is. This is how meningitis gets missed. It does not always look dramatic. No rash. No clear signs. Just someone who seems off, tired, confused,...
The Stunt Artists Collaborate with Visit Brecon Beacons through Paragliding & Art
Some places stay with you forever. For Herefordshire artist Katie Hollinshead, the Brecon Beacons is one of them. It’s where she’s experienced unforgettable paragliding flights, watched spectacular sunsets from the sky and found moments of complete peace...
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